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| dc.contributor.author | Kerebih Aragaw | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-07-24T08:21:43Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-07-24T08:21:43Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024-07 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://ir.bdu.edu.et/handle/123456789/16784 | |
| dc.description.abstract | The selection and use of appropriate agroforestry tree species that maintain soil nutrients thereby improving productivity remains to challenge in low-input agricultural systems. Therefore, this research focuses on two agroforestry tree species, C.macrostachyus and C.africana. The objective of this study was to estimate the amount of litterfall and rate of decomposition in the Aba Gerima watershed. The decomposition rate was analyzed using the litter-bag technique, while soil and litter samples were used to analyze the soil's physicochemical properties. The litterfall was collected every 15 days using litter bags from February to May 2023. Besides, the rate of decomposition was determined using RCBD design; considering species types as the main factor and incubation period (30, 60, 90, and 120 days) in the dry and wet seasons of the sub-plot factors. Soil samples were collected from four directions (north, south, east, and west) beneath and outside the canopy of each tree species. Composite soil samples were then prepared from these collections, and selected soil physicochemical parameters were analyzed. Results showed that the total amount of litterfall in four months was greater for C.africana than for C.macrostachyus at 5.89 t/ha and 5.19 t/ha, respectively. Regarding the rate of decomposition, C.macrostachyus decomposed significantly faster than C.africana for the incubation period (30-120 days) with a rate constant (k) of 0.012 to 0.04 g/days and 0.13 to 0.04 g/days for C.macrostachyus and 0.01 to 0.02 g/days and 0.09 to 0.04 g/days for C.africana for the dry and wet seasons, respectively. The mass loss is 94% and 47%; C.macrostachyus recorded a greater mass loss than C.africana during the 120 days of the dry season. However, the wet season from 120 days had no significant difference in mass loss between the two tree species. The effect of tree species in the soil nutrient input as observed from C.macrostachyus was significantly higher than that of C.africana. Hence, Utilize litterfall and organic matter from the two indigenous tree species as mulch or compost to enhance soil fertility. Therefore, Raise awareness and encourage the community to conserve these agroforestry trees in cropland to improve soil fertility and crop productivity. | en_US |
| dc.language.iso | en | en_US |
| dc.subject | Agroforestry | en_US |
| dc.title | Estimating the amount of Litterfall and Rate of Decomposition for Cordia Africana and Croton Macrostachyus From Agroforestry Systems in The aba Gerima Watershed, Amhara Region, Northwestern | en_US |
| dc.type | Thesis | en_US |
